The UAE government has donated 30 tons of dates to the Indonesian government, described as a gift from Muslims to their fellow Muslims.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, through its embassy in Jakarta, has handed over a 30-ton package of dates to the Indonesian government.

The UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, symbolically handed over the packages of dates to Mochammad Agus Rofiudin, Expert Staff to the Indonesian Minister of Finance for Non-Tax Revenue, at the ministry’s Al Amin Mosque in Jakarta on Monday.

In his remarks, the Ministry of Finance official stated that Ramadan is a spiritual school for all the ministry’s personnel.

"This momentum serves as a means to affirm the values ​​of integrity, honesty, and strengthen patience and empathy, especially in managing the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget," said Mochammad Agus, who is also the General Chairman of the Al Amin Mosque.

He also emphasized the importance of sensitivity to the needs of the people in every fiscal policy taken.

According to him, the spirit of Ramadan must be reflected in a commitment to implementing policies that favor the interests of the people.

The distribution of dates is expected to strengthen ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood) and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UAE.

Mochamad Agus further stated that the Indonesian Ministry of Finance hopes that cooperation between the two countries will continue to increase, especially in areas that directly impact the community, such as education, philanthropy, and people empowerment.

“Hopefully, this collaboration will produce benefits, and further strengthen the good values ​​that are the foundation of relations between the two countries," he said.

Meanwhile, in his remarks at the event, the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia stated that the 30 tons of dates given to the Indonesian government were a gift from Muslims to their Muslim brothers.

“We come with gifts. Giving gifts to one another will foster love between us," he said, quoting a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

"Give gifts to one another, and you will love one another." (Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, no. 594).

Ambassador Salem AlDhaheri also expressed his personal closeness to the country.

During his six years in Indonesia, the ambassador said that he never felt like a stranger. "I live in Indonesia like I'm with my own family," he added.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE. He noted that the relationship between the two countries has been very strong and is expected to continue to grow in the future, both in the economic and religious fields.

Ambassador Salem AlDhaheri emphasized that the UAE's current achievements are the manifestation of the vision of the nation's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE, he continued, is now one of the countries with the highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the world.

In its cooperation with Indonesia, the UAE has been involved in various strategic projects. In the religious sector, the UAE supported the establishment of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Solo, Central Java, and established educational cooperation with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU/the biggest Islamic organization in Indonesia).

These various programs are aimed at assisting and empowering the Indonesian people. In the environmental sector, the UAE collaborates on mangrove research and development in Bali province and supports mangrove forest conservation efforts in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, in the human resource development sector, the UAE encourages capacity building for Indonesia's youth through digital talent development programs, including the target of 10 million technology-based talents.

These programs, channeled through the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, include training for educators and students, as well as strengthening English language skills.

The UAE ambassador hopes that these initiatives would help Indonesia's youth acquire relevant skills and increase future employment opportunities, while strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The gift of 30 tons of dates will be distributed among others through the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, which will then forward them to various stakeholders, including beneficiaries outside Jakarta.

Additionally, some dates will be distributed to mosques near the Indonesian Ministry of Finance to be served for iftar meals (breaking the fast).

The UAE government can increase the number of dates if requested by Indonesia, Ambassador Salem AlDhaheri said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window